Excuse the long hiatus. Things have been crazy as usual, and I've not known how to craft another blog entry with so many things up in the air. But, thanks to gravity, they eventually come down and settle somewhere. Let me update a bit first on ministry, and then I will make my announcement.
SCHIAVITU MAI PIU
As stated before, we took a two month break March-April and are praying about the future of the ministry. That God would add to our number, with 3 of the 5 women on our team absent this year. We had an AMAZING campaign in the EUR zone where the red-light district was threatening to emerge and are hoping that it made a small splash in the community.
CHURCH
Sunday attendance has been low, mostly due to serious illnesses and work issues. We long to see a solid, committed group here!
Tuesday nights in my home have been so lovely. Last night, Piero (new since last summer's concert with Red Rain) said things were really clicking for him. Easter was so special and personal and he is hungry to know God and do Church as he sees it revealed in Scripture with us each week! Another new attendee, Alessia, is growing and asking lots of questions. We are so thankful.
We had an AWESOME concert outreach last Thursday with Amy T and Barnabas, hip-hop artists from Seattle, and dear friends who love Jesus. Our church was really blessed.
In June we have an evangelistic outreach THE CAGE, all-church retreat, and a lay-counseling course! It's going to be a busy month, so May is the calm before the storm with lots of preparation and prayer.
WORK
I have resigned today earlier than my contract which is mid-July. I will finish the last academic day with my students on June 19. This is bittersweet as I have loved my students and colleagues with my whole heart. I am going to miss them! Pray I can have a wonderful, strong end to the year and for opportunities to share and strength to love well in Jesus' name.
LIFE
I have made the decision to go on Sabbatical and will be leaving Italy July 28 for Los Angeles. I will be bouncing between LA and Seattle at least for the next 8 months. I look forward to participating in individual counseling, attending the Allender Center's lay counseling course, writing some children's books and being with family and friends. This time will be a great challenge for me. RESTING. It's not easy for me. I don't want to fall into the same trap I lived in before. LA is so busy. This is a very pointed, intentional time. I will have to learn to say no to many things to protect my time. I have come to the prayerful and counseled decision that this is the best choice for me despite the cost (physical, emotional, literal). I ask for prayer as I home-base with my grandparents in LA. My heart's desire is that they know Jesus. I ask for prayer in my transition out of Italy the next 3 months. I ask for peace and guidance for our church and its future.
If you have been financially supporting me, please feel under no obligation to continue in this period. If you do chose to continue know that the money will go to my course with the Allender Center. I will not have major living costs staying with my grandparents, although there are many logistical things to determine. I will be continuing this prayer-request blog.
If you have any questions about what this next phase means or how I came to the decision, please email me!
Also, the financial request for my pastor and his wife to come to America to visit churches and attend the CC Missions Conference is still valid. Please email me for details on where to send money.
Thanks so much for your love and support in these past three years. And so, the journey continues!
